Craving a cold one? You’re in the right place. From full-bodied brews to sweet ciders, beer celebrations in the Garden State serve up seasonal selections and fall fun.
1. Harborside Craft Beer Fest
Join Jersey breweries Angry Erik, Jersey Cider Works and many others as they pour out samples of their drafts. With unlimited tastings of over 150 styles of craft beer, guests will certainly get their fill. Paired with entertainment, food and views of the New York City skyline, the festival is a can’t-miss.
When: Saturday, October 15; Session 1 (noon to 4 pm), Session 2 (5:30 to 9:30 pm)
Where: Harborview Plaza Atrium & Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, 153 Exchange Place, Jersey City.
Price: $65 admission for one session, $15 for designated drivers; under 21 not allowed.
Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons: Darren Moloney
2. Haddon Ave Annual Oktoberfest Pub Crawl
Grab your growler (and your admission ticket) and snag all day discounts at the six participating locations– P.J. Whelihan’s Pub & Restaurant-Haddon Township, The Pour House, Treno Pizza Bar, The Irish Mile, Keg & Kitchen, and The Taproom & Grill. Jitney shuttles will be available to and from all bars.
When: Saturday, October 15; 2-8 pm.
Where: P.J. Whelihan’s Pub & Restaurant, 700 Haddon Ave, Haddon Township.
Price: $5 admission; Discounts on drinks at all locations with complimentary mug.
3. Bordentown RiverFest
Support the local volunteer fire department, Hope Hose Humane Co. No. 1, at RiverFest. Sprawled over four acres, festivities include a beer garden, craft vendors, bands and treats from local restaurants and sweet shops. Bouncy houses, magic shows and face painters will keep the kids busy, too. Don’t want the fun to end? Head to the after party at The Cool Cricket.
When: Saturday, October 15; Noon to 10 pm.
Where: 100 West Park Street, Bordentown.
Price: $15 in advance for three beers and a mug, $20 day of; Download the Lyft App and use the RiverFest16 promo code for a $50.00 first time Lyft credit to or from the event.
4. 1st Annual Oktoberfest in Seaside Heights
Oktoberfest kicks off with the tapping of the keg on Saturday morning. Spend the rest of the day sipping craft beers–including locally-made brews such as Beach Haus Strawberry Radler and Spellbound Cherry Belgian. German food and music from Oompah Delics give an authentic feel to Seaside’s festival. Beer tasting sessions are from noon to 2:30 pm and 3:30 to 6 pm each day.
When: Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23; 11 am to 6 pm both days.
Where: The Boulevard (exact location TBA).
Price: $5 general admission; Beer tasting admission $20 in advance, $25 at door (cash only at gate); Children 11 and younger free.
Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons: Yaletown BIA
5. Hopped Up Highlands Pub Crawl
The crisp fall air pairs perfectly with a hearty ale. Or maybe cider is more your style. Whatever your preference, there are plenty of options at the Hopped Up Highlands Pub Crawl. Making four stops throughout Morristown, the tour begins at Sona Thirteen followed by Tashmoo Restaurant & Bar, George and Martha’s American Grille and End of Elm. All proceeds will benefit the New Jersey Highlands Coalition to help protect, restore and enhance water and other natural resources in the Highlands.
When: Saturday, October 22; 6-11 pm.
Where: Starting at Sona Thirteen (13 South Street, Morristown); Stops include Tashmoo Restaurant & Bar, George and Martha’s American Grille and End of Elm
Price: $20 in advance; $25 at door; discounted hotel rates and Uber rides available
6. Double Nickel Anniversary Festival & Fundraiser
Join Double Nickel Brewing Company’s 1-year anniversary brewery bash. In support of the South Jersey Food Bank, the brewery will host a food drive until October 22 and giving a portion of all ticket sales to the food bank. Wet your whistle with over 20 beers, including three different barrel aged beers, sours that have been aging since September and a special Belgian Golden Ale. Live music and food trucks complete the day. Don’t forget to bring a can of non-perishable food to receive a raffle ticket.
When: Saturday, October 22; Noon to 10 pm.
Where: Double Nickel Brewing Co., 1585 RT-73, Pennsauken.
Price: $15 admission (includes 6.75 oz glass, eight drink tickets and entry into raffle for prizes).
Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons: D_Neff
7. Spellbound Brewery’s 2nd Anniversary Party
Extremely rich with notes of chocolate and roasty overtones, Spellbound Brewery will share a special brew at their anniversary party. Buy a bottle of either variety–the regular imperial stout or the one aged in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels–the day of the party (only 400 bottles of each will be available). Then, loosen up a little with the over 20 beers on tap at the brewery.
When: Saturday, October 22; Noon to 10 pm.
Where: Spellbound Brewery, 10 Lippincott Ln, Unit 12, Mount Holly
8. Northern New Jersey Brewery & Dinner Tour
What better way to explore North Jersey’s ever-expanding beer scene than with an all-day excursion? With New Jersey Craft Beer as the designated driver, venture to Angry Erik Brewing, Man Skirt Brewing, Czig Meister Brewing Company and Jersey Girl Brewing Company. The final destination will be Mohawk House for dinner and drinks. Brewery tours are available at each stop; water and snacks will be provided on the bus.
When: Saturday, November 5; 11:30 am – 7:30 pm
Where: Meet at the Rockaway Mall; Stops include Angry Erik Brewing, Man Skirt Brewing, Czig Meister Brewing Company, Jersey Girl Brewing Company and Mohawk House.
Price: $75 (includes transportation and six drink tickets).